Glossary · Automation software engineering and architecture
Software release
Also known as: Release
German: Softwarefreigabe
In software engineering, a software release is a formally approved, identified version of software that is made available to users or for deployment, together with its documentation.
- Software engineering
In one sentence
A software release is a formally approved, identified software version made available for use or deployment, with its documentation.
Example
Release 2.4.0 of the machine software is approved by the project lead after system tests and published with its release note and updated manual.
How it applies
- Engineering: A release is built from a defined baseline and tagged in version control, so it can be rebuilt. Only released versions go to customers or production.
- Change control: The Release decision is a documented approval based on test results, open defects and completed documentation.
- Documentation: Documentation is part of the release. The release checklist should include the manual, Release note and translations, so software is not released with outdated documentation.
Software release vs. deployment
A release is an approved version. Software deployment is its installation on specific systems. The German Softwarefreigabe emphasizes the approval aspect of a release.